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Niha Kardame submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. She filmed the interaction along the H4-2 in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
Happy family
Motherhood for animals in the African bush is not for the faint-hearted. With many dangers to contend with, mother animals must keep their wits about them or risk losing their precious offspring.
Besides the risks of separation, starvation, and illness, predators pose the greatest challenge. And it is just such a dilemma that a warthog mom finds herself in as we join the action.
What have we here?
To begin with, it appears all is well. The mother grazes peacefully, while her two piglets follow close on her heels.
However, a black-backed jackal emerging from behind her soon shatters the illusion of tranquillity.
The jackal has spotted her offspring, and there is no doubting that its intentions are anything but friendly.
Jackals are medium-sized carnivores that feed on carrion and any small prey they can catch. As such, a tiny warthog would be a welcome addition to its diet.
Weary
Nonetheless, the jackal seems to realise that the mother warthog won’t simply let it take one of her babies. Accordingly, it keeps a safe distance while wearily circling the trio, looking for any opportunity to grab one of the piglets.
Consequently, when the mother turns her back on the predator, it readies itself to dash in. However, this time it is the piglets themselves that thwart its devious intentions.
Instinctively, they remain close on their mothers’ heels, simultaneously using her body to shield them from attack.
Well aware
While at first it may have appeared that the sow was oblivious to the jackal’s presence, its latest manoeuvre sees her spring into action.
As her babies dutifully position themselves behind her, she turns to face their tormentor. Warthogs are nothing if not bold animals, well capable of defending themselves when necessary.
Additionally, she holds a considerable size advantage and carries sharp tusks. Knowledge of this has likely kept the jackal at bay until now.
Escalation
Subsequently, the adversaries engage in a brief stand-off. However, neither animal is prepared to surrender. An escalation is called for.
With that, the mother warthog charges at the jackal…
In response, the agile jackal flees. However, it is far from giving up with such tender morsels on offer. Accordingly, when the mother’s pursuit ends, it continues to circle, patiently waiting for a new opportunity.
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Element of surprise lost
But the mother pig is now on the alert. Consequently, she meets each of the jackals’ subsequent darts and feints with equal aggression.
At this point, the outcome of the confrontation is far from determined. Both animals show determination, and fatigue will likely determine the outcome.
One or the other
Either the jackal will decide to spend its energy elsewhere, or the warthog will drop its guard for a crucial second.
Unfortunately, we don’t get to find out who prevailed. As the video ends, the mother is seen leading her babies away. Somehow, we think they’re in good ‘hands’.
Hyperactive Baby Hippo Scares Everyone In The Waterhole
This amusing video was sent to Latest Sightings by Isa Carter. She filmed it at a water hole in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
I’m bored!
It’s often said that an “only child” can be a challenge, especially for friends and neighbours. And, judging by the events in this video, the same is true in the animal kingdom.
As Isa’s video begins, we see a lone hippo calf standing on the banks of its water hole. In the background, a herd of zebras await their turn to come down for a drink.
Amusing itself
It would seem that it has no one to socialise with. Nevertheless, as it runs around, it appears quite content to burn off the excess energy of youth on it’s own.
After charging around on the water’s edge for a while, it decides to return to the water, seemingly delighted at the big splash it makes.
For a chubby calf, it is surprisingly light-footed. As it takes to the water, it continues to amuse Isa and her companions with its antics. Quite what the rest of the onlookers think is open to debate.
Its mother, seen in the foreground above, seems content to watch the calf at play. Like any harried mum, she is probably enjoying a moment alone.
Thirsty zebras
Meanwhile, when the rambunctious calf took to the water, the zebras headed down to the water to slake their thirst. However, when the calf notices them, it cocks its ears in interest.
Potential playmates?
Consequently, it would seem that the calf saw the new arrivals as potential playmates. Subsequently, the over-enthusiastic calf set off towards the zebras with all the joys of youth.
Unfortunately for the little hippo, his barrelling approach was a bit much for the skittish zebras. In response, they turned and trotted away from the water’s edge.
By the time he emerged from the water, the zebras had retreated to the nearby treeline. Evidently, the hippos’ behaviour was a bit much when all they wanted was a quiet drink.
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Abundant energy
Nonetheless, their disappearance did little to dampen the calf’s enthusiasm. He had energy to spare and was going to burn it off one way or the other. Even if it meant playing with elephant dung…
As Isa’s video draws to an end, the little hippo, undeterred, continued to charge up and down on the lakeshore.
And, despite his protestations of innocent fun, the zebras in the background remained unwilling to join in the fun.
Playful practice
As amusing as the young hippo’s behaviour is, it actually serves an important part of its early development. Playtime for young animals is the time when they will learn the various skills necessary for long-term survival.
Hippos are highly territorial creatures, particularly in their aquatic homes. As such, while the calf may not be doing so intentionally, it is employing various behaviours that in later life will help it assert its territorial dominance.
These include charging towards intruders, patrolling the domain, and gaping jaw displays. Of course, at this stage in its life, it is all in the spirit of play.
However, later in life, these skills may mean the difference between life and death. Whatever the outcome, for us as observers, they’re both fascinating and fun to observe.
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